Following Pope Francis's passing, the Vatican is abuzz as cardinals gather to elect his successor. The conclave, a secretive ...

As tradition dictates, the late pontiff’s signet ring will be destroyed — or defaced, at least — within the walls of the Vatican following his death on Easter Monday.

The ring and seal are destroyed or nulled after a pope’s death to prevent their future misuse to seal official documents.

Engraved on its oblong, flat surface is an unidentified symbol, which resembles two asterisk marks. It could be the mark of a ...

Receiving a new signet ring and visiting a tomb before the Mass starts are just some of the details of Leo XIV’s inauguration ...

Photo from the Wawel Royal Castle Centuries ago, signet rings were worn by numerous individuals ... they could be used to produce a unique seal, meant to indicate the identity of the owner.